Many people are wearing face masks now due to COVID-19, here is some advice on how and where you should use them

Face masks are being used at the moment to help stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). They can help stop someone who doesn’t know they have the virus spreading it to other people. The government has put together some guidelines as to when you should use face masks and how they should be worn.

When should I wear a face mask?

It is suggested that you wear a face mask when you are:

In places where it is difficult for you to practice social distancing by staying 2 metres away from other people, such as busy shops or when taking public transport

In an indoor space with other people that you do not live with, for example, if you work in a shop or hardware store

If you have trouble breathing, or you are unable to remove the mask by yourself, it’s better not to wear one. The same applies for anyone under the age of 13, or people with special needs who feel upset or uncomfortable when wearing a mask.

How much protection does a face mask offer?

Face masks may help to reduce the spread of infection by reducing the spread of droplets that could be carrying the virus. By wearing a face mask, you are less likely to pass the virus on to someone else if you have been infected but have not started showing symptoms.

However, face masks do not work on their own, and it is only effective if you follow the other guidelines that the Government has issued during this pandemic, including

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water

Following social distancing guidelines by staying at least 2 metres apart from others

Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze

What kind of facemask should I wear?

It is really important that frontline staff, including medical workers, do not run out of masks. That’s why the public have been asked to use cloth face coverings, which covers your nose and mouth, instead of medical masks.

How to make a face mask

You can make your own face covering at home from t-shirts, scarves or towels. Medical face masks should only be worn by healthcare workers as we need to make sure there are as many as possible available for them to use.

Should I wear disposable gloves?

It might be tempting to wear disposable gloves when you’re outside or doing the shopping, but they do not offer much protection. This is because the virus can get on the gloves in the same way it gets on your hands, making it unsafe when you take them off.

Disposable gloves are worn in medical settings by healthcare workers. They do not work as well in our daily lives. Wearing disposable gloves can make you feel you are protected even when they are not being used safely.

The most effective way to protect yourself is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially when you come in from outside or from the shops.

Need more information?

Would you like more information? Maybe you would like to talk through your own situation? Get in touch through our online chat system for 16 to 25 year olds - Monday to Friday from 4pm to 8pm.